Words Like Locusts Flew From Her Fingers

Hypocrites ‘R Us

The New Republic Online: Not What They Do: “Rather than attacking the specific policies promoted by values voters–policies that can, and should, be fought on their merits–the charge of hypocrisy attacks the voters themselves. But it’s an elementary point of logic that a claim’s validity is independent of the character of those who advocate it. A truth is a truth, no more or less true because of who believes it. The whole issue of hypocrisy, then, for all the importance it routinely assumes in political discourse, is a red herring.”

Of course it is. But it’s…so…much…FUN! And, besides, pointing out a persons’ hypocrisy might lead them to more carefully examine the basic philosophies that inform their actions. If, for example, you consider yourself to be “pro-life” but you don’t want to support programs that help poor women and children—well, then, you’re not being consistent. You need to figure out whether you’re REALLY “pro-life” and, if you decide you are, you need to bring all of your actions into alignment with that philosophy.

I do realize, though, that a lot of people are incapable of this level of thought. I’m still surprised by this fact, incidentally, but experience has shown it to be true.

The other problem–probably a lot more common–is a person willfully ignoring stuff that doesn’t fall in line with what he claims as his belief. It goes like this: a person supports “X” because it makes him feel good for whatever reason. The logical extension of supporting “X” is “Y”. “Y”, however, is more expensive or time-consuming or uncomfortable (or unpopular) than “X”. So, the person just chooses to ignore “Y”. Often the person will effectively eliminate “Y” from his mind altogether. It doesn’t exist. It never existed. People do this in order to avoid what social psychologists call “cognitive dissonance”. Another interesting psychological process that comes into play is the way people will actually adjust their beliefs to fit with their behavior. We tend to think behavior flows from belief–but this isn’t always the case. Fascinating stuff, really. If you haven’t learned any social psychology you should make a point of doing so. Here’s a pretty good introduction: Belief Systems and Social Perception Structures. This particular web page, though part of a site that’s apparently a bit on the flaky side, isn’t nearly as intense as its title might make it sound, by the way. Here’s a quote from it that illustrates the point I was just making:

“Cognitive Dissonance
According to Aronson (1996), when people are confronted with opposing beliefs or ones incompatible with their own, they are likely to ignore or negate that belief. They do this in order to convince themselves that they have not behaved foolishly by committing to false beliefs. To assure themselves that they have been wise in supporting their position, they often convince themselves that those who oppose that position are foolish and truly objects for contempt and derision (Aronson, 1996 p.184-8). Aronson(1996) also stated that most people, when they are confronted with information that they have behaved in a cruel manner, attempt to reduce subsequent dissonant feelings of perceiving themselves as unkind. They often do this by creating a belief that cruelty towards the victim is actually justified.”

I can understand how it happens…I’ve done it myself. But, come on people! At least have the integrity to admit what you’re doing!! At least TRY to be consistent!

“I know what I believe. I will continue to articulate what I believe and what I believe — I believe what I believe is right.”
—George W. Bush, in Rome, July 22, 2001